The cold, twisted intent of the " Abyss Mark " clung to everyone like a maggot, casting a shadow over their hearts even after it had disappeared. The Thousand Sunny Modified hovered in orbit around the gradually recovering Green Shade Star, undergoing a brief rest and resupply.
Inside the medical room, Chopper was carefully examining Allen's condition.
"You're just physically exhausted, with no obvious injuries," Chopper, pushing up his glasses with his little hoof, his tone tinged with worry. "But... there seems to be an extremely faint, corrosive 'mark' remaining on your mental level. It's very subtle, even Allen himself might not be able to detect it. It's like a... beacon."
"A beacon?" Nami exclaimed, "Does that mean the Abyss can find us at any time?"
"More accurately, it's the ability to 'locate' Allen," Robin mused. "This level of intent is incredibly high, far surpassing any enemy we've encountered before. It's not a direct attack, but rather like lighting a signal tower in Xinghai, allowing the hunter to pinpoint the prey's location."
Allen leaned against the bedside, feeling the gentle power emanating from the " World Seed " within him, attempting to purify the barely perceptible mark, but the process was extremely slow. "It's like a mark of a higher-dimensional law, difficult to remove by conventional means." He looked at the others, his face showing no fear, only calm analysis, "This means that our journey ahead may face more frequent and precise attacks."
"Let them come!" Luffy clenched his fist, his fighting spirit undiminished. "I'll take them down one by one!"
Zoro, holding his sword, snorted coldly, "That saves us the trouble of looking for them."
Sanji lit a cigarette. "If they dare to come, I'll burn them all to ashes with the World-Purifying Flame."
Although the group was in high spirits, everyone understood that being targeted by such a terrifying being meant that the road ahead would be fraught with unknown dangers.
Xingtong ' Warning and Compensation
Soon after, Observer Xingtong and Chairperson Qingteng boarded the Thousand Sunny again. Chairperson Qingteng brought the Green Shade Civilization's sincerest gratitude and generous gifts—a large amount of pure life energy crystals, unique plant technology data, and a promise: the Green Shade Civilization would officially join the " Watcher Alliance " advocated by the Straw Hat Pirates, becoming its steadfast ally in the Xinghai.
The Observer Xingtong's expression, however, was even more serious.
"Gentlemen, the Council has detected the 'marking' through special channels," she said bluntly. "You have taken enormous risks to rescue the Green Shade Civilization, even attracting the attention of the very source of the ' Abyss Will.' The Council will remember this courage and sacrifice."
She took out a talisman that emitted a soft starlight, as if woven from crystal, and handed it to Allen: "This is the ' Star Protection Amulet,' crafted jointly by several elders of the Council. It cannot completely remove the ' Abyss Mark,' but it can greatly interfere with its positioning accuracy and provide a one-time powerful protection when you encounter high-intensity law attacks. Consider it a small compensation from the Council for its insufficient risk assessment for this mission."
Allen took the amulet and immediately felt a cool, stable power flow into his body. The " World Seed " in his chest seemed to become more active, and the discomfort caused by the subtle "mark" lessened considerably. "Thank you," he nodded in thanks.
"Don't mention it, you deserve it," the Observer Xingtong continued. "Furthermore, based on the strength you demonstrated this time and... your current special situation, the Council, after emergency consultations, has formally extended a higher-level invitation to you."
She projected an electronic letter that twinkled with starlight.
"We invite ' Torch Dragon ' Portgas D. Allen and his core team members to visit the ' Seat of All Knowledge ', the headquarters of the ' Council of Stars '. There, a more complete database of Xinghai information is available, which may contain more detailed records about the ' Abyss Mark ', and perhaps even... methods to weaken or eliminate it. At the same time, the Council also wishes to discuss with you a long-term strategy for jointly confronting the ' Abyss Will ' and its minions, the ' World Devourers '."
Choice: Head to Parliament Headquarters
Heading to the " Council of Stars " headquarters?
This news surprised everyone. It was undoubtedly one of the most central and mysterious places in the Xinghai, containing countless knowledge and opportunities.
" The Seat of All Knowledge... Sounds like there are lots of powerful guys and unknown adventures!" Luffy's eyes lit up, filled with interest in the unknown.
"The database there might be able to unravel many mysteries that aren't even recorded in the Poneglyph," Robin said, showing great interest.
"If we can find a way to remove the mark, that would be ideal." Nami was more concerned about the team's safety.
"Maybe there's even more SUPER technology out there!" Franky exclaimed excitedly, striking his signature pose.
Allen pondered for a moment. Going to the Council headquarters would indeed yield more intelligence and potential assistance, but it also meant they would be more deeply involved in the highest-level power struggle within the Xinghai. Moreover, as the core of the Council, was the " Seat of All Knowledge " truly united? Were there dissenting voices or even potential threats? These questions remained unanswered.
However, given that we are currently " Abyss Mark," actively seeking stronger allies and knowledge seems like a wise move.
"We accept the invitation." Allen made the decision, looking at Xingtong, "Please provide the coordinates and access permissions for the ' Seat of All Knowledge '."
The Observer Xingtong smiled with relief, "A wise choice. The coordinates and permissions have been transferred to your navigation system. It's expected to take three long jumps to reach your destination via the nearest 'Council-Dedicated Jump Gate.' I will Guide you."
Set off, toward the core of the Xinghai
Amidst the gratitude and blessings of the entire Green Shade Civilization, the Thousand Sunny Modified set sail once more. This time, their destination was no longer a civilization on the verge of destruction, but rather the nexus of the Xinghai Order—the headquarters of the Council of Stars, the " Seat of All Knowledge."
Inside the cabin, Allen held the " Star Protection Amulet," feeling its subtle resonance with the power of the " World Seed," his gaze piercing through the porthole as he looked towards the deep starry sky in the distance. Marked upon himself, surrounded by powerful enemies, the road ahead was destined to be anything but smooth. But as Luffy said, that's what adventure is all about.
"Let's go," Luffy adjusted his straw Straw Hat, his smile still bright, "Let's check out that ' Seat of All Knowledge '! It'll be really interesting!"
Zoro wiped the blade, Sanji prepared the meal, Nami planned the route, Chopper checked the medicine, Robin read the council briefing provided by Xingtong, Franky tuned the engine, Brook played a new piece of music, and Steadfastly steered the ship, Jinbe Ace leaned to one side, flames dancing on his fingertips.
With the relief of a successful rescue, the wariness of the unknown markers, and the anticipation of exploring the core of the Xinghai, the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies adjusted their course and headed towards the warp gate leading to the " Seat of All Knowledge." A new journey is about to unfold an even grander and more complex chapter in the Xinghai saga.